This derby is different because both teams are doing so well in the league. You can’t say it’s make or break but the winners would have the perfect boost to kick on and secure a Champions League place.

In stark contrast the losers would find themselves under pressure and playing catch up.

The table is so tight with Tottenham breathing down our necks and Manchester United only six points behind.

United have shown they mean business by splashing out £37million on Juan Mata. When Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are back fit they will be a much stronger side.

I can’t see us catching the top three so we’re effectively in a mini league of four clubs playing for fourth place.

Victory for Liverpool tonight would not only put us four points clear of Everton but it would also keep Spurs and United at bay.

It won’t be easy because I’ve been really impressed by Everton so far this season.

Roberto Martinez has been a breath of fresh air and has proved himself to be an excellent manager. It’s not only the results but the manner in which they have been achieved. In the Goodison derby back in November they played some great football and we were a bit fortunate to get a point in the end.

People have been waiting for them to blow up but it hasn’t happened. They have shown they are serious contenders for the top four.

Martinez has dramatically changed their style of play but has got them to gel very quickly.

It’s a different Everton now. They won’t just come to Anfield and get men behind the ball.

Martinez is similar to Brendan Rodgers – they both play an expansive style and go out to win away games, not to just grind out a result.

It’s got the makings of an intriguing game. I think goals are guaranteed and I’ll be having a tenner on a repeat of the 3-3 draw from earlier in the season.

We have looked vulnerable defensively and all the injuries we’ve had has contributed to that. We haven’t kept clean sheets against top opposition.

We need the focus and concentration to be spot on. If we can keep Everton at bay we’ll win the game because we know the two lads up front will do the business for us.

Key Derby Battle - Skrtel v Lukaku

How Liverpool handle the threat of Romelu Lukaku could decide the game.

In the past the big Belgian striker has bullied us.

Playing against Liverpool always seems to bring out the best in him.

We need Martin Skrtel to rise to the challenge. He needs to be strong and combative, especially from set-pieces where Lukaku did some damage at Goodison.

Key battle - Flanagan / Cissokho v Mirallas

Now that Jon Flanagan is fit again I really hope he replaces Aly Cissokho at left-back.

At Goodison earlier in the season Flanagan was one of our best players and showed he has the right mentality for these type of games.

Mirallas has caused us problems in previous derbies and he’s a real threat going forward.

It’s vital our full-backs close him down and don’t give him space to play.

Key Battle - Suarez v Jagielka

Luis Suarez always seems to deliver against Everton. He's so difficult for defenders to handle because he drops off into space. If we can get the ammunition to Suarez and Daniel Sturridge they will score goals tonight.

I just hope Joe Allen is passed fit as we always look more comfortable with three central midfielders. That gives us a better chance of dominating that area and feeding the front two.

Raheem Sterling should come back in for Victor Moses after being rested on Saturday. Sterling will also have a big role to play providing the service for our strikers to cause havoc.

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The Editor

Alastair Machray

Alastair Machray was appointed editor of The Liverpool Echo in 2005 and is also editor-in-chief of Trinity Mirror Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales. He is a former editor of The Daily Post (Wales and England) and editor-in-chief of the company's Welsh operations. Married dad-of-two and keen golfer Alastair is one of the longest-serving newspaper editors in the country. His titles have won numerous awards and spearheaded numerous successful campaigns.